When it comes to their cars, the wealthiest Americans are cheapskates

#2: Mercedes C-Class

Average price: $34,064

Type: Midsized car

Total sold 2012: 43,349

Once again, the wealthy go for the least expensive car a luxury brand has to offer. The C-Class is the best-selling Mercedes car. Of the 164,918 cars and light trucks Mercedes sold in the first seven months of 2012, 43,349 were C-Class. The C-Class has six versions. The least expensive is the 250 Sports Sedan. It has a small four-cylinder engine and four doors. The car also can be bought with all-wheel drive and a larger engine. The version built by Mercedes AMG racing division has a 451 HP engine and retails for $59,800. In Palm Beach, Fla. and Century City, Calif., this car ranks as the third most popular.